A Tribute to John Wooden

We have lost one of the greatest human beings you will ever hear about. John Wooden, "The Wizard of Westwood" went home to be with the Lord (1910-2010). There is a common theme throughout people's reactions and experiences with Mr. Wooden. He truly impacted the game of basketball but more than that, he impacted the lives he encountered. There have been so many great articles written, I won't repeat them because I have some of the same thoughts so I'll post of the links here:

J.A. Adande - ESPN Los Angeles To mourn the loss of John Wooden because we consider him an irreplaceable source of wisdom would be to miss the point of his 99 incredible years on this earth. Wooden's gift was to understand that greatness is all around; it's up to individuals to find it within themselves and realize it. It's not about a single source. There is knowledge to be gained from everyone. Even a pigeon.

Forum Blue & Gold “Love has dominated my coaching career.”

By Phil Elderkin Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden was an every-day Bible reader from Indiana who took some of the most challenging egos in the country and fit them into a championship mold of his own making. He did farm chores as a boy when they began before the sun came up and took hours to complete.

David Wharton from LA Times Confined to a hospital bed, nearing death, legendary coach John Wooden held onto his sense of humor.
"He hadn't shaved in a couple of days," recalled UCLA Coach Ben Howland, who visited him this week. "He scratched his whiskers and quietly said, 'I feel like Bill Walton.'"

Lakers, Celtics and ESPN analysts share reflections on John Wooden NBA Finals participants express their thoughts on John Wooden a day after the legendary coach's death at age 99. Below is a video featuring ESPN analysts Jack Ramsey, Hubie Brown, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson as well as Lakers reserve forwards Lamar Odom and Luke Walton.

Mr. Wooden,

Thank you for all you have done for the game of basketball but more importantly thank you for your faithfulness to your wife throughout the years, the love you gave to others by mentoring young minds, and most of all, thank you for serving our Lord well by showing us we are able to touch so many lives simply by living out your philosophy. The legacy you have left behind will be an example of greatness for all of us to aspire to be.

Junior J.